Development of diamond-based biosensors

Abstract

Biosensor research is becoming more and more important now the need for reliable measuring systems is diversifying to new domains, like biocompatible implantable sensors. Stable platforms for durable long-term implantation are being developed. Diamond is known to be biocompatible, but no implantable diamond-based biosensor application are available yet. We have explored the possible usefulness of diamond as biosensor material. In this thesis, the covalent attachment of DNA to diamond is demonstrated. This is the first but crucial step towards a diamond-based. Secondly, diamond was shown to be a suitable material for detection of surface charge changes, in particular protons (pH) and polyelectrolytes.